Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:17

What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 5:17 means

To be “in Christ” is to be made new. The old—guilt, alienation, self-ruled life—has passed; the new—reconciled relationship, renewed heart, fresh purpose—has arrived. This is not mere moral improvement but a new creation, God’s creative act applied to the believer through union with Christ. Identity is now defined by belonging to Him. The statement is sweeping yet personal: anyone in Christ shares this newness. The verse assures struggling believers that real change has begun and frames the Christian life as living out what God has made them to be, as He brings their present condition into line with their new status.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So if any man is in Christ, he is in a new world: the old things have come to an end; they have truly become new.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that if any one <FI>is<Fi> in Christ--<FI> he is<Fi> a new creature; the old things did pass away, lo, become new have the all things.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So if any one [be] in Christ, [there is] a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold all things have become new:

Context

Verse 17 crowns the prior steps: because we no longer view according to the flesh (v. 16), we can speak of an entirely new reality for those in Christ. This prepares for verses 18–19, which explain the source and scope of this newness—God’s reconciling work through Christ—and the commission given to Paul and his coworkers to carry the message. The focus shifts from personal transformation to God’s saving initiative and the ministry entrusted to the church.

v.16Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

v.17This passage

v.18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 15:5

    I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

  • Ephesians 1:3

    Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ:

  • Ezekiel 11:19

    And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh;

  • Ephesians 4:22

    that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

  • John 17:23

    I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me.

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